The Return of the Prodigal Son c. 1571

Editor: Hans Collaert the Elder's "The Return of the Prodigal Son" is part of an illustrated book. The composition is quite striking, with so much activity in one scene. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The linear precision and balanced asymmetry structure the narrative effectively. Note how Collaert uses color to differentiate the son's dishevelment from the father's composed attire. The interplay between light and shadow adds spatial depth, doesn't it? Editor: It does. I didn't notice how the textures created different focal points. Thank you for the insight! Curator: Indeed. It highlights the artist's skilled formal control, enriching our understanding.